Highlights of Turkey
10 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Türkiye
Visiting: Istanbul, Çanakkale, Izmir, Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, Konya, Cappadocia, Göreme, İstanbul
Tour operator:
Tour code:
THOTZM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 54
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2595
$2203 (USD)
Operator discount: -$392
-15%
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Turkey on the "Highlights of Turkey" tour, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come alive. Explore Istanbul's rich heritage with a Local Specialist, from the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar. Pay your respects at the poignant War Cemeteries of Gallipoli, and marvel at the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the therapeutic Roman health spa at Hierapolis. Discover the unique beauty of the Goreme Open-Air Museum and witness the legendary Wooden Horse at Troy. This tour offers a blend of historical insights, cultural experiences, and natural wonders, all while enjoying the comfort of luxury air-conditioned coaches, cherry-picked hotels, and expert guidance. With included ferry rides, optional experiences, and an array of sightseeing highlights, prepare for an unforgettable adventure through Turkey's most iconic sites.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Renaissance Polat Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet at the crossroads of East and West – the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph. Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Light Meal.
Day 2 : Discover Colourful Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Renaissance Polat Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire, strolling through the exquisite Topkapi Palace with its spellbinding views of the Bosphorus. Visit the Byzantine Hippodrome to see where thundering chariots once raced to victory before following in the footsteps of the faithful to see the Blue Mosque – its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles are a sight to behold. Dive Into Culture as you haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops. Later, we e explore Hagia Sophia, once one of the greatest churches in all of Christendom. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the museum of Classical Turkish Music, preserving this traditional art. Come across the genius of Turkey’s greatest composer, Dede Efendi, during a private concert by students of the Music Conservancy. The evening is yours to further explore the city.
Day 3: Journey To Gallipoli And Çanakkale
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation Name: Kolin Hotel Çanakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We remember the heroism of the many thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli. We'll see Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields that today still hold special significance for the Turkish, Australian and New Zealand nations. Spend a quiet moment commemorating the lives lost at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair, where some of the fiercest fighting took place during World War I. This evening we stay in Çanakkale where tonight we’ll dine in our hotel.
Day 4 : Off To Troy, Pergamon And Izmir
Location: Izmir
Accommodation Name: Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit a land of Trojan legends, an ancient city immortalised by Homer in the stories of King Priamus, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. We admire the archaeological excavations at Troy revealing nine separate periods of settlement and the symbolic replica wooden Trojan horse commemorating the epic war machine constructed by the Greeks to end a lengthy siege. We continue to the ancient kingdom of Pergamon to visit the Asklepion Medical Centre whose staff of entwined snakes remains a symbol of modern medicine today. This afternoon, we Connect With Locals over lunch in the village of Demircidere at a Be My Guest experience. We travel to the broad boulevards of seaside Izmir later and dine in our hotel this evening.
Day 5: Admire The Ruins Of Ephesus And On To Pamukkale
Location: Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre
Accommodation Name: Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus admiring the well-preserved façade of the Library of Celsus and its famous Temple of Artemis. We visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian guarded by Medusa's head, and the Great Theatre, built by the Romans in the 2nd-century and still in use today. You’ll learn about the intricate heritage and art of carpet weaving during a visit to a Turkish carpet emporium. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 6: Onwards To Hierapolis And Konya
Location: Konya
Accommodation Name: Dedeman Konya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis, imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs. Visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum in Konya, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, which reveals the origins of Sufism. Our last stop today is Konya where tonight we dine in our hotel.
Day 7 : Continue To Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Exedra Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue your journey to Cappadocia, you'll see a 13th-century caravanserai and underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Then Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to watch the Whirling Dervishes then enjoy a Regional Meal at a local restaurant. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories hewn out of the surrounding rock and houses.
Day 8: A Day To Explore Spectacular Göreme
Location: Göreme
Accommodation Name: Exedra Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia take centre stage today as you embark on a full-day excursion that will see you visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the Paşabağı and Kizil Vadi valleys. Join your fellow travellers for an included dinner this evening.
Day 9: Return To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Renaissance Polat Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a short flight this morning to Istanbul, where the rest of the day is yours to explore the city your way. Enjoy a sensory explosion at the vibrant Spice Market, take a stroll through the historic Sultanahmet or find a quiet rooftop café and admire Istanbul’s iconic skyline. You could choose instead to join an optional cruise and sail the waters of the Bosphorus which separate Asia and Europe. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 10: Farewell Istanbul
Location: İstanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
We say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as we prepare to depart to the airport for our flight home.
What's Included
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Cherry-picked hotels
All tried and trusted accommodations to ensure a comfortable stay.
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
Guidance and expertise throughout your journey.
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Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities included.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
Hassle-free handling of hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals provided.
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Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras for an enriching travel experience.
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Audio Headsets
For flexible sightseeing with clear, informative commentary.
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Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
With Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
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Ferry and Flight
Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale and flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Opportunities to customize your trip with optional experiences and ample free time.
What's Not Included
Additional cost applies
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale, Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. Specific accommodation details can be found in the itinerary.
Check out our Q&As
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What countries will be visited on this tour?
The tour will visit Turkey.
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What are the tags associated with the tour?
The tags associated with the tour are Coach tours (worldwide), History, Music, Ruins-Archaeology, Art Galleries & Museums, and Sightseeing.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are provided.
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What are the highlights of the Highlights of Turkey tour?
The Highlights of Turkey tour includes exploring Istanbul with a Local Specialist, visiting the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Byzantine Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the poignant War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, the Asclepion Medical Centre at Pergamon, the ancient city of Ephesus, the Virgin Mary's House at Ephesus, the ruins of the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, and the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Additionally, you will view the Wooden Horse at Troy and see the exquisite Blue Mosque.
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What are the exclusions of the tour?
The tour exclusions include optional experiences, which come at an additional cost.
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What type of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale, and a flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul.
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What are the inclusions of the tour?
The tour includes cherry-picked hotels, expert Travel Director and Professional Driver, gratuities, hotel tips, charges, and local taxes, meals, sightseeing, audio headsets, luxury air-conditioned coach, ferry and flight, and optional experiences and free time.
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What type of accommodation is provided?
The tour provides cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. Specific accommodation details can be found in the itinerary.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
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Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions